Insights and Foresights

Posted on 17 Apr 2012 @ 11:04pm by Tarishiana Barel & Lieutenant JG Kestra Orexil

3,620 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Episode 01 - Project Sienna
Location: Chief Science Officer's Office
Timeline: MD 02 - 1700hrs

One of the issues with joining a crew late in the mission was finding the time to get a grasp on the personnel on board. So, while the ship remained docked, Kestra met with her staff and then immediately began walking the decks, PADD in hand, to gather first hand data on the ship's layout and meet the people who kept it moving. When she reached the science department, she freely admitted that her interest was piqued. She'd never worked on a ship with labs on board and found herself curious about just what all the equipment did and how. And what the researchers were like and why.

And that, she smiled, was only a small part of her anticipation. She felt Barel's presence before she saw her and stopped in the corridor, eyelids fluttering slightly at the familiar sensation. Tarishiana, she released the name from her mind. It was a relief, this communication. So much simpler than any other, and made more so by the familiarity of the mind she touched.

Tarishiana looked up from her desk at the visitor at her door. The smile on her face was a rare one that was typically save for those situations in which the other person knew its meaning. Kestra. She replied, It is so nice to just be a Betazoid for a moment. she rose from her chair and practically floated around the table. She covered the distance quite easily and placed her childhood friend in a hug. I didn't know you were assigned to the Galileo...Mother heard from your mother that you had joined Star Fleet..but still what are the odds?

Kestra smiled, welcoming the embrace and hugging the other woman fiercely. Infinitesimal. I knew you'd joined the Academy, but I could never get a straight answer out of mother as to just where you'd gotten to. I couldn't imagine you fighting in the front lines. To find you here- She laughed and threw her arms around Tarishiana again. It proves the universe has a wonderful sense of symmetry. How is Lestian? Last I heard, no one knew if you were still planning to bond. Are you?

Last I spoke with him he was loving the USS Coltan. Tarishiana grinned as she moved them both towards the open chairs. He has been playing interference between me and his mother for the last ten years...bless his heart. Our parents still expect us to bond but... Her mind flashed to Markum which brought a different smile to her lips. She knew that Kestra would see it but that was the joy of being around a Betazoid the communication was so much more honest. I don't want to bond with him...

Kestra beamed, delighted, and dropped into the offered chair, drawing her knees up to her chin. Who is he? she asked, excited that her old friend had found someone to make her smile in that way. She'd been worried about both Tarishiana and Lestian; they were both good souls, honorable and kind, and the fact that politics - of all things - had driven them together when even a human could see they didn't love each other had made her sad. If Tarishiana was happy - and she clearly was - that meant she might be able to bond with someone else. Leaving Lestian, in turn, free to find himself a suitable match. Better for everyone involved. Plus... Lestian was a handsome Betazoid. If he was unencumbered by a match to her friend... well. She didn't know about bonding, but she wouldn't mind a friendly try-out. She was perfectly aware Tarishiana could pick up any of her thoughts, even undirected, at this close range, but it was gloriously freeing to know that was all right. At least with other Betazoids, she didn't have to worry constantly about how they would react to the truth.

Tarishiana let out a laugh. If you have to opportunity my friend, you would be a fool to not take it. She added with a grin. She bet her lower lip slightly which a normal response if her lips had anything to do with the form of communication. His name is Markum Quinn...he is the Chief Engineer. Her thoughts whirled for a moment as she tried to gather the excited thoughts in her mind. We met at the launch party for the USS Galileo and have been one three dates since...I have even told Lestian about him and he is happy for me as I had expected. I think he might have someone keeping his attention as well...Lestian that is She looked over her friend for a moment. It didn't seem to matter how much time passed since the pair had seen one another she was and would likely always be a familiar mind to have around.

Good! Kestra's happiness for both Tarishiana and Lestian was evident in the word that sprang to mind, unhindered by any negativity. She wanted them both to be happy. Resting her chin on her knee, she lifted her brows. Markum Quinn. A strong name. He's human, then. And an engineer. Concerned with making things the best they can be, works with his hands. A blossom of humor accompanied the thoughts as she shared them. Do you see a future with this man? Or are you not thinking about that yet?

Tarishiana nodded with a large smile on her lips. A laugh escaped her lips at Kestra's analyzing of Markum's name and occupation. Yes he is human. Has a son in the academy named Markus, pre-med I think. It was ironic to think over what she was thinking but Tarishiana found herself doing it just the same. Her thoughts changed to the idea of having her own children and the idea of having them with Markum was more then welcomed. I have only know him a short time but we already share a connection...I have never been able to communicate telepathically with anyone other then a Betazoid before. Their minds are so...random.

You think humans are bad. Try sharing thoughts with a Trill, especially when joined. Kestra widened her eyes dramatically, with a grin. It's enough to make you think you're in anti-grav. Time means nothing, you know that. If the feelings are shared; that's what matters. And it sounds as if they are. She rested a hand on top of Tarishiana's, her feelings of goodwill and joy overflowing into a physical gesture. There are techniques, for organizing cluttered thoughts into manageable groups. Have you learned those? Mother didn't teach them to me until I complained about the Klingons on my last ship giving me headaches.

No... Tarishiana thought almost emphatically. My mother never intended me to socialize with anyone other then a Betazoid...But I would love to learn. Granted Markum is a quick study. She smiled before shaking her head, Here I am going on and on about me and my drama. She placed her free hand on top of Kestra's. It has been how many years? You must fill me in on what I have missed.

Your drama is far more interesting than mine, Kestra assured her with a little pat. Too long... sixteen years. It doesn't feel that way, though; perhaps because of all the chatter between your mother and mine. But it is good to see you once more! In truth, you probably haven't missed much on my end if my mother tells yours as much as she tells mine. Mostly study and training. You heard about Zarin? And Cesla's wife, Hride?

I don't talk to my mother unless I have too. Tarishiana said with a grin. She gets most of her new from Lestian She laughed thinking about the poor Betazoid man who she was engaged too. But please do tell. I might be a respected linguistic specialist...but I still love gossip.

Kestra shook her head, thinking about her lost sister-in-law and brother. Not gossip, dear friend, she squeezed Tarishiana's hand gently. They're gone. Cesla and Hride were on an independent cruiser and came out of warp right in the middle of a fire fight between Klingons and Federation on the rim. She was...hurt. Badly. And went into labor from the stress. My nephew lived, but Hride didn't survive it. And then Zarin... Her throat worked uselessly, trying to swallow the sorrow back down where she kept it private. Zarin joined the independent militia in the neutral zone and was killed in matter of months. Refused to 'waste time' with training. She shook her head. They're gone, the thought returned, more for herself than for Tarishiana, and she succeeded in swallowing the pain again. It had its place and its purpose and Tarishiana had deserved the knowledge, but she wasn't going to wallow. My nephew is beautiful, though, here- she closed her eyes and pictured Dethan with his heart breaker dimples and shock of dark black hair, framing his sparkling black eyes.

Tarishiana could feel the pain before Kestra had started thinking from her miss thought. I am so sorry Kes....but he is lovely. She touched her hand to her friends shoulder. I didn't know...I am beginning to believe I have too much of a buffer between me and Betazed. I might have to remedy that in the near future. She didn't know what it was like to have siblings. She had been an only child and couldn't understand the loss. At least you have Dethan. She tried to sound optimistic with a grin. He really is beautiful.

He is, Kestra agreed, happy enough to focus on the present. Regret and sorrow had their own time. Now you know what happened. My heart has been too full to allow for much more than that in it of late, but... time allows the ache to become less focused. Tell me about you. How did you come to be a respected linguistic specialist?

Well I assume my mother told your mother about my extravagant wedding that I didn't show up for? Tarishiana started with a knowing grin. This was one of her more favorite stories. The night before I bought passage on a transport and arrived in San Fransisco three days later. I enlisted in Starfleet assuming that my parents would be unable to demand my resignation like they would have had I enrolled in the academy. What amused her most about this story was the fact that Lestian had paid her passage, but that fact was still not widely known by their families. It took a few years before I learned I had a gift for xeno-linguistics...it is amazing what an advantage being telepathic is when you are trying to develop a translating algorithm.

Is it, though? Kestra smiled. Languages are such frustrating tools. Limited and complicated. Although, I'll admit, I do love cursing in Klingon. And you should hear some of mother's plays now; I think she likes the language more than I do. So how did you come to head the research department on Galileo?

I have no idea... Tarishiana responded quickly with an almost confused laugh. The USS Genevieve was being mothballed and I elected not to transfer with the rest of the crew to the new ship commanded by Captain Scott. She had no problems with the crew it had just gotten monotonous. She wanted a change and she most definitely got that. I applied for a transfer and the rest is history... She looked over her friend, How about you Lieutenant? She placed heavy emphasis on her rank.

Kestra smiled. She had no problems being proud of her rank. She'd worked and trained hard to earn it. I went through officer training at the Academy. I'd wanted to go and fight in the Battle of Betazed, but I was too young. And Uncle Gelkin - you remember Uncle Gelkin? - convinced me to study more than just how to aim a phaser. After I finished my masters, I was deployed to the border of the neutral zone on relief work, reorganizing infrastructures, clearing debris, taking prisoners to fair trial in other places... My CO decided I needed more responsibilities and more opportunities for advancement, so he put me up for reassignment and here I am. I feel I'm up to the task. I hope I'm right. How are you finding running your own department?

Tarishiana nodded enthusiastically when Kes mentioned her uncle. While it hadn't been an Uncle Gelkin, she had received the same speech from Lestian at the time.. A little over whelming. She started with a shake of her head. We received the information on Project Sienna today and I was barely treading water. I used to think that my Chiefs had no idea what they were doing...needless to say I have a new respect for them. She turned toward Kes almost excited, We should get together for dinner one night soon...maybe the three of us?

I would like that, Kestra thought warmly, both to herself and to Tarishiana. Although it will be interesting to remind myself to speak when I have the opportunity not to. Rude to cut the poor man out of the conversation entirely. Perhaps we should bring out the dastardly chime, she chuckled mischievously. Mother always insists on the chime for dinner guests of the Houses. Yes. Definitely. Well, not the chime, but we'll make a plan. She kissed Tarishiana's cheek warmly. On that note, I do actually have business to discuss with you. Do you have some time to talk shop?

Tarishiana smiled widely at Kes's comment. She had hated the chime. She couldn't understand why anyone would want to have a chime ring out every time they took a bite. Her mother had also been a huge fan of formality. She let out a very dramatic sigh before responding, If we must talk shop then by all means let's talk shop. She returned to her normal posture , But no chime

Kestra chuckled silently, her amusement echoing far deeper than any sound could have. How are you finding your department staff?

So far so good. Tarishiana began with a smile. She glanced around the room they were sitting in. She turned back towards Kes with a questioning look, Why do you ask?

Kestra tapped her PADD. I'm new to the ship. If I'm in any way supposed to help maintain order, I find it's best to know about any personality rifts or disputes up front so I can moderate before they rise to the level of altercation. She smiled. So... all clear? You haven't noticed any negative feelings?

A little apprehension from some of the new crew...but nothing outside of normal. Tarishiana debated on what to say about Dru, but the thought escaped before she could contain it. Her mind flashed though parts of the conversation. It wasn't that she thought Dru was a risk by any means but surprises came from where you least expect it.

Kestra's expression didn't change as Tarishiana's thoughts and memories leaked into their conversation. Drusilla, the ship's counselor, felt alienated and ostracized by the crew so far as Rishi had been able to glean. That was exactly the sort of thing Kestra needed to know about if she were going to be proactive in maintaining the crew's security. I'll make sure to visit with her soon, she nodded. Thank you. And the newer crew... from your department or others? I can check in with them as well.

I think the poor girl is just lonely...I seriously doubt she is any sort of risk to the crew. Tarishiana could help but feel a little guilty at bringing up her conversation with Dru. She had wanted to be her friend genuinely and she was a lovely person with a large heart. She let out a sigh, Just be sure to handle it with the class I love about you so much. She grinned.

Curiously, Kestra leaned towards the other Betazoid, searching her face. Why should you feel guilty about telling me the truth? she wondered, genuinely confused. Perhaps Rishi has been spending too much time away from her own people. Between the twelve other Betazoids on the Churchill and the daily communications with Mother and Father and Cesla and everyone, I've never had a time in my life where I was completely immersed in the devastatingly alienating world of secrets and lies that seem to infiltrate most other cultures. It is hard, I think, not knowing what other people think and feel about you, good or bad. I would think that would be awful for anyone. I know we haven't been personally in contact for many years, but old friends remain true, always. She thought this to herself, heedless of what Tarishiana paid attention to and what she didn't. It didn't matter. All her thoughts were there for the taking. That was what this kind of friendship meant to her. She thought about the hours and days they'd spent as children, both too young to walk or communicate in anything more than basic syllables, before they'd ever known how deep a connection could be with someone new, they'd shared their own version of thoughts, handing colored blocks wordlessly to each other to build their dream homes on the ebony floors of her mother's family home. How could she ever betray the wishes and trust of the woman who had grown from that child? It was unthinkable. Of course, she directed the response now, focusing. What do you think I'm going to do? Tie her to a chair and shout 'confess, confess' at her? Just because I've been working with Klingons and Cardassians doesn't mean I've become their cultural stereotypes.

You will have to pardon my human tendencies Tarishana thought as a laugh shook her. She placed her hand on top her friends. It wasn't that she had forgotten any of the memories that Kes has remembered it was just as simple as the fact that she had spent most of the last thirteen years with humans and other non-telepaths. And no that wasn't how it played out in my mind...exactly. She shook her head. I think it is time for me to return to Betazed for my next shore leave. I need some immersion with Betazoids again. She gave a smile as she thought over all the time she had missed on her home world. Granted having you around will be a great help...I am so glad you are here. Not sure if I said that already.

Kestra turned her hand over and squeezed Tarishiana's. You haven't *said* anything, she thought, chuckling internally, but shared the swell of relief and joy she felt at finding Tarishiana well, happy, successful, and here with her, in response.

"Ha ha" Tarishiana finally said breaking the silence that had been maintained since Kestra's arrival in her office. Maybe I am not too excited that you are here now. She thought as sarcastic as a thought could be. Looking at the clock on the wall she let out a sigh. I hate to rush you off but I have to meet Commander Holliday in the holodeck in about twenty minutes. A smile crossed her face much different then that elicited by Markum.

Kestra shrugged, her lips twitching into a small smirk. "So many men, so little time," she purred, unfolding from her position on the chair and standing. I thank you for your insights, Rishi. I look forward to seeing you again soon. And your Markum Quinn. She kissed Tarishiana's cheeks gently. "Do be gentle with our XO, will you?" The words were innocent, but her surrounding thoughts at the idea of her going toe to toe with her superior officer in the holodeck were utterly mischievous.

Tarishiana laughed, "He is a better match then you might think." She responded with a grin. I look forward to you two meeting as well. She thought as she rose from her chair and gave her long lost friend a hug.

Kestra lingered in the embrace, enjoying the physical, mental, and emotional closeness with her friend, before withdrawing. "Go. Before he thinks you've conceded." She squeezed Tarishiana's hands one last time, winked, and slipped back out of the office, heading down the corridor.

Tarishiana watched as her friend left. She was more thankful that Kestra was on board the Galileo then she would have originally thought. With a smile on her face she headed off towards her quarters. She had just enough time to get changed before her rematch with Holliday.

--
[OFF]

Lt JG Kestra Orexil
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

MWO Tarishiana Barel
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

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